SAVE OUR WOLVES!

kr469,372
of kr550,000 goal

WWF is suing the Norwegian government in an effort to save our wolves, and we need your help.

The wolves in Norway are critically endangered. Still, authorities allow large culling quotas each year. Last season (2017-2018) 27 wolves were shot, in what was the most extensive wolf culling since the wolf was protected in 1971. In the current season (2018-2019), up to 29 wolves can be shot.

WWF believes that the Norwegian wolf management is unconstitutional and also goes against the Norwegian Biodiversity Act and the Bern Convention. If the government will not abide by the law and these international obligations, it must be stopped in court.

Prior to this year’s culling, between 70 and 71 wolves permanently resided only in Norway. In addition, 45 wolves were living partly in Norway and neighboring Sweden.

Cost of the lawsuit

Lawsuits are expensive. So far we have had costs connected to the trial in Oslo District Court. The ruling did not go in our favor, but we have appealed to the Court of appeal, where the trial will take place in December 2019. Other NGO's assist the government in court, which means that if we lose the case, we might have to pay trial costs both for the attorney general, and for the assisting NGOs, effectively tripling the costs of losing.

WWF have decided to push forward with the court case, despite these increased risks. This matter is too important to not pursue. Our campaign goal is 550,000 NOK, and we hope for your continued support in our efforts to save the wolves!

Help us raise 550,000 NOK to SAVE OUR WOLVES!

This campaign uses Norwegian Kroner as currency. Conversion table below illustrates the relation between some common currencies:

Last month Oslo District Court ruled in favor the Norwegian state, and against WWF, in the court case to change Norwegian wolf management and save the wolves of Norway. Today WWF has appealed this verdict.

We feel that the verdict is wrong. We asked the court to clarify the principles that form the basis of Norwegian wolf management: What are our national and international obligations when it comes to protecting and preserving endangered animals in Norwegian nature? How many wolves do we need in Norway in order to fulfill these obligations? In what situations is it OK to decide to cull a critically endangered animal?

The District Court did not answer these questions. We feel that the verdict is poorly reasoned and that WWF’s arguments have not been even been considered before the judgement was made. This is unacceptable. All over the world animals are dying at a historical rate, in the last 40 years alone, 60 percent of the world’s animals have disappeared. We need to change this negative development. Amongst others, that means protecting endangered species and nature areas to a much larger extent than today.

Today it began. The first day in court at Oslo District Court, as we try to change the Norwegian wolf management and save our critically endangered wolf.

The trial will last for four days, but a verdict is not expected for another month or more.

We want to thank everyone so much for your support! We have received well wishes and donations both from Norway and abroad. It's because of your support that we are able to continue the work to save our wolves. Thank you!

And if you know someone who you think wants to support us - we still need funds to finance our trial costs. Please help spread the word.

Not a good day for the wolves. Oslo District Court has decided against our request for a temporary injunction to the wolf culling that is happening right now. That means the culling will continue until a trial is completed later this winter.

WWF strongly disagrees with this decision, and we are discussing with our lawyers what to do next.

It is heartbreaking that our goverment feels it is ok to reduce an already critically endagered species by 75 percent, without waiting for a final ruling by the courts.

But we are not giving up! There will be a trial, and we will fight to save our wolves in court.

We hope you continue to support our efforts. And keep spreading the word!